Worcester cop arrested for rape, armed robbery

A Worcester police officer has been arrested on rape charges.Credit: Metro file photo

A Worcester police officer has been arrested on rape charges.

Officer Rajat Sharda, 32, of Hudson, was arrested Monday as the result of an investigation into a complaint made to the Worcester Police Department. The complaint was regarding an incident that occurred at Bancroft Tower between a woman and Sharda.

After Worcester police launched an extensive investigation into the allegations, Sharda was arrested and charged with aggravated rape, open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, armed robbery, intimidation of a witness and threats with the intent to extort by police, the department said in a statement.

Sharda was released on $7,540 cash bail on Monday night, and was arraigned at the Worcester County District Courthouse on Tuesday morning.

He was placed on restricted duty when the complaint was brought to the police department, and has since been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law.

The Worcester PD said in a statement that the criminal and internal disciplinary investigation is ongoing, but no further information would be released at this time.